Bourbon Pecan Blondies

Bourbon Pecan Blondies

Hey, have you ever bitten into a blondie that’s buttery, nutty, and has a little boozy kick? I did, and wow, it stopped me in my tracks. Let me tell you about my Bourbon Pecan Blondies.

I love baking on weekends, and these blondies are my new favorite. The pecans get all toasty, and the bourbon adds this warm, cozy hug. Every bite feels like a treat just for me.

Oh man, picture this: chewy edges, soft center, and that sweet-salty crunch. I sneak one with my coffee, and it makes my whole day better. You’ll want to grab a glass of milk and dig in, trust me.

So, um, grab your apron and let’s make these together. I’ll share the easy recipe right now. Come on, your kitchen is calling!

Bourbon Pecan Blondies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bourbon-Infused: A splash of bourbon brings out a rich, deep flavor in these blondies that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
  • Crunchy Pecan Goodness: The toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch to every bite, enhancing the texture and flavor.
  • Perfectly Gooey: These blondies have the perfect balance of a slightly crispy top and a chewy, gooey interior.
  • Easy to Make: Simple, straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
  • Great for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy evening, these blondies are perfect for any occasion that calls for a sweet treat.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, here are a few essential tools you’ll need to make these Bourbon Pecan Blondies:

  • Mixing Bowls: You’ll need medium and large mixing bowls for combining your ingredients.
  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For mixing the wet ingredients together and ensuring everything is well-combined.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key when baking, so make sure you have accurate measuring tools.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Pan: A standard baking pan that will allow these blondies to bake to perfection.
  • Parchment Paper: This is optional but highly recommended for easy removal and clean-up.
  • Whisk or Spoon: For mixing dry ingredients and stirring the batter.
  • Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows air circulation, so your blondies cool evenly and don’t get soggy.
Ingredients

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this indulgent dessert (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

  • 2 cups packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds richness and moisture to the blondies, creating that soft, chewy texture.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the blondies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Butter contributes to the rich, gooey texture of the blondies.
  • ¼ cup bourbon: The star ingredient! A splash of bourbon adds a warm, caramel-like flavor that elevates the pecans and toffee bits.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a sweet and aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature: Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the blondies.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient that gives the blondies structure and body.
  • 1⅓ cup chopped pecans (divided): Pecans add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with bourbon.
  • 2/3 cup toffee bits: These add caramelized sweetness and a bit of texture to the blondies.
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your blondies come out easily. The parchment paper will also help you lift the entire batch out of the pan once they’re baked.

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2. Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside for now, as you’ll combine it with the wet ingredients later.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop and allow it to cool slightly. Once it has cooled, stir in the brown sugar until it’s fully incorporated. The sugar should dissolve into the butter, creating a smooth, glossy mixture.

Next, add the bourbon and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well-mixed. Once the wet ingredients are combined, crack the eggs into the bowl, one at a time, beating them in thoroughly after each addition.

4. Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a whisk or spoon. It’s important not to overmix at this stage—just mix until the flour is incorporated into the batter.

5. Add the Pecans and Toffee Bits

Now, fold in chopped pecans and toffee bits. Make sure to reserve about 1/3 of the pecans to sprinkle on top of the blondies later for extra crunch and visual appeal. This is where the magic happens—those rich, buttery pecans and sweet toffee bits make every bite of these blondies irresistible.

6. Bake the Blondies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved pecans on top to give the blondies a lovely finish.

Bake the blondies in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are fine). Be careful not to overbake, as you want them to stay soft and chewy.

7. Cool & Serve

Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Variations for Bourbon Pecan Blondies

While this recipe is delicious on its own, here are some fun variations to take these blondies to the next level:

  • Add Chocolate Chips: For a gooey, chocolatey twist, fold in chocolate chips or white chocolate chips to the batter along with the pecans and toffee bits.
  • Use Walnuts Instead of Pecans: If you’re not a fan of pecans, swap them out for walnuts or even hazelnuts for a slightly different flavor.
  • Make Them Boozier: Increase the bourbon to ½ cup for a stronger bourbon flavor. Just be cautious, as too much liquid can alter the texture.
  • Add Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the blondies before baking for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
  • Go Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these blondies. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
  • Chopped Dried Fruit: Add dried cranberries or raisins to the batter for a sweet, chewy element to complement the nuts and bourbon.
How to Serve Bourbon Pecan Blondies

How to Serve Bourbon Pecan Blondies

These Bourbon Pecan Blondies are amazing on their own, but you can also pair them with a few fun sides or toppings:

  • With Ice Cream: Serve these blondies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo.
  • Topped with Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy, airy contrast to the rich, dense blondies.
  • A Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: For an indulgent twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the top just before serving.
  • As Part of a Dessert Platter: These blondies are perfect for sharing, so consider serving them alongside other baked goods like cookies, brownies, or bars at a party or gathering.
Read Also  Indulgent Gluten-Free Lemon Crostata Recipe

Storing Bourbon Pecan Blondies

If you have leftovers (or want to make a batch in advance), here’s how to store your Bourbon Pecan Blondies:

  • At Room Temperature: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy for several days.
  • In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Freezing: If you want to store them for even longer, you can freeze the blondies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown for these Bourbon Pecan Blondies. Keep in mind, these are just estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories290 kcal
Total Fat16g
Saturated Fat7g
Cholesterol50mg
Sodium150mg
Total Carbohydrates37g
Dietary Fiber2g
Sugars27g
Protein3g

Bourbon Pecan Blondies

Recipe by Nancy SmithCourse: Uncategorized
Servings

24

blondies
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

290

kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups packed light brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

  • ¼ cup bourbon

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1⅓ cup chopped pecans (divided)

  • 2/3 cup toffee bits

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, melt butter and mix with brown sugar, bourbon, and vanilla.
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating until well-combined.
  • Stir in dry ingredients until just combined.
  • Fold in chopped pecans and toffee bits.
  • Pour batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with reserved pecans.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool in pan, then cut into squares and serve.

Conclusion

These Bourbon Pecan Blondies are a showstopper of a dessert—rich, decadent, and with just the right balance of sweetness and nuttiness. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight treats to special holiday gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. I hope you enjoy making—and eating—these delicious blondies as much as I did!

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